Some autistic traits related to challenges with social interaction, mental flexibility and visual perception could be alleviated through a new, noninvasive therapy. A team of researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, found that stimulating nerve cells when the brain becomes “stuck” in a certain state improves flexibility and relieves some autistic behaviors. The procedure utilized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is already used to treat certain mood disorders, in a novel manner. Over 40 adults with a mild form of autism participated, and the therapeutic effects lasted for up to two months after the last session. This study could contribute toward projects enabling new treatments.

Short-form videos like those viewed on Tiktok are being used more frequently to share health information. Ciera Kirkpatrick, an assistant professor of advertising and public relations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studied the effectiveness of videos demonstrating the speculum, a medical instrument used to obtain cervical cell samples for a pap smear. She found videos that emphasize knowledge and the importance of obtaining the routine cancer screen are more effictive than those that offer advice about avoiding pain or discomfort.